Collapsible lapboard structure

ABSTRACT

A collapsible lapboard structure has a base, a spacer member hingedly joined thereto, and a support member in turn hingedly joined to the spacer member. When the structure is in its erected position the base member and support member extend perpendicularly from one side of the spacer member, and the hinges employed cooperate therewith to maintain that relationship against downward force on the support member. The base member is adapted to rest upon a seat so as to position the support member over the lap of a person seated thereon.

mama @tates Patent 91 Seiden 1 May 1,1973

[ 1 COLLAPSIBLE LAPBOARD STRUCTURE Boynton Selden, 81 Uplands Drive, West Hartford, Conn. 06107 221 Filed: May :2, 1972 211 Appi. No.: 252,620

[76] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl ..108/43 [51] ..A47b 17/00 [58] iFieid 01' Search ..108/43, 42, 44, 45,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 630,231 8/1899 Hudgin .238/47 925,284 6/1909 Buck 108/43 951,145 3/1910 McGennis ..108/1 2,808,303 10/1957 Frank ..108/135 UX 2/1959 Botnick ..108/115 X 3/1959 Kolb ..108/115 Primary Examiner--Bernard A. Gelak AASIAIarlI Examiner-Glenn O. Finch AIl0rneyPeter L. Costas 1 5 7 1 ABSTRACT A collapsible 1apboard structure has a base, a spacer member hingedly joined thereto, and a support member in turn hingedly joined to the spacer member. When the structure is in its erected position the base member and support member extend perpendicularly from one side of the spacer member, and the hinges employed cooperate therewith to maintain that relationship against downward force on the support member. The base member is adapted to rest upon a seat so as to position the support member over the 1ap of a person seated thereon.

8 Ciaims, 8 Drawing Figures Patented May 1, 1973 2 Sheets-Sheet l Patentea May 1, 1973 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FICiB COLLAPSIIBLE LAPBOARD STRUCTURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are many instances in which it is desired to have available a device which is adapted to position work of some sort over a person s lap while he is seated. Desks and tables of course serve this function, and chairs have been designed to provide a variety of support members; however, such furniture tends to be expensive and frequently it is not as readily portable as may be desired. On'the other hand, lapboards of various types are available, but they generally do not offer an optimum combination of support and convenience of use and storage. Moreover, some types of work require supporting devices that are especially adapted thereto, and such devices may either be unavailable or unsatisfactory in one or more respects.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel lapboard structure which is collapsible and yet provides firm support for work of various types.

It is also an object of the invention to provide such a structure by which the work is held in a convenient and comfortable position.

Another object is to provide a structure of the foregoing type which is collapsible to a highly compact configuration.

A further object is to provide such a structure which is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and which at the same time provides a high level of convenience and stability in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has now been found that the foregoing and related objects of the present invention are readily attained in a collapsible lapboard structure comprising a base member adapted to restupon a seat and extend beneath a person seated thereon, an elongated spacer member, and a support member. A first hinge joins the spacer member adjacent one end thereof to an edge portion of the base member, and a second hinge joins the support member to the spacer member adjacent its other end. The hinges permit pivotal movement of the base member and the support member in opposite directions from a collapsed position of the lapboard structure, in which they lie adjacent one face of the, spacer member, through about 270 angles to a substantially rigid, erected position in which the base member and support member extend generally parallel to each other and perpendicularly to the spacer member from the opposite face thereof. The hinges and members cooperatively prevent pivoting of the base and support members beyond the 270 angles and further toward one another. As a result, with the base member extending beneath a seated person and the spacer member extending upwardly therefrom, the support member extends toward the person from the spacer member and over his lap to afford firm support against downward force thereon.

In one embodiment of the invention, the support member includes a board with a substantially planar upper surface extending generally perpendicularly to the spacer member with the lapboard structure in its erected position. The base member and spacer member are desirably also substantially planar so as to form, with the support member, three layers in the collapsed position of the structure. The support member may also include a spring clip mechanism mounted upon the board and acting against its planar upper surface to provide means for disengageably securing an element thereunder for support thereby. In another embodiment, the support member comprises at least a partial frame provided with means thereon for disengageably clamping an element thereto, and the support member is preferably of generally L-shaped configuration. Most desirably, the base member and support member are dimensioned and configured for nesting in the collapsed positions of the structure, to lie substantially in the same plane, and each member of the structure is substantially planar so as to form two layers therefrom when collapsed.

At least one of the hinges maY have leaves that are pivotable with respect to one another through an angle greater than 270, with one of the members joined to one leaf of the hinge having a rectilinear edge aligned substantially over the barrel thereof. The other of the members joined to the other leaf is positioned on the same side thereof as the one" member; it has a rectilinear edge which is parallel to the edge of the one member and is spaced from the barrel of the hinge a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the one member. Consequently, in the erected position of the structure the rectilinear edge of the one member abuts against the other" leaf of the hinge, and the rectilinear edge of the other member abuts against the one" member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is an isometric view of a lapboard structure embodying the present invention in its collapsed position;

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view thereof drawn to an enlarged scale and showing the disposition of the members thereof in three layers;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of the structure with the parts thereof in fully extended positions;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the structure in erected position;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a second type of lapboard structure embodying the invention, shown in collapsed position and illustrating the nested relationship of the base and support members and the disposition of the members thereof in two layers;

FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of the structure of FIG. 6 in erected position, showing in phantom line a separate frame engaged and supported thereon; and

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS Turning now in detail to FIGS. I 5 of the appended drawings, therein illustrated is a lapboard structure embodying the present invention and including a conventional clipboard device consisting of a support board or body 10 with a spring clip mechanism 12 mounted adjacent the top edge on the upper surface thereof. The board 10 has affixed against its underside a thin rectangular shim l4, and against its upper surface one leaf of a conventional hinge 16, the hinge l6 and shim 14 being secured adjacent the edge of the board 10 by a number of flat head screws 18. The other leaf of the hinge 16 is affixed to an elongated spacer or leg member 20 with a spacing block 22 interposed therebetween and defining with the leg member 20 a small right angle inset 24. The opposite end of the leg member 20 has one leaf of a second hinge 26 secured thereto by screws 18, and the other leaf of the hinge 26 is similarly secured to a seat board or base member 28. The leaves of the hinges 16, 26 are capable of pivoting about the pintles thereof through an angle of almost 360, enabling the lapboard structure to unfold from the collapsed position of FIGS. 1 and 2, through the intermediate extended position of FIG. 3, and into the erected position of FIGS. 4 and 5. 7

As will be noted, the block 22 on the leg member 20 is secured to the hinge 16 with its edge 34 adjacent the barrel thereof, and the edges 35 of the board 10 and shim 14 are spaced from the barrel a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the block 22. Similarly, the leg is positioned with its edge closely adjacent the barrel of the hinge 26, and the edge 32 of the base member 28 is spaced therefrom a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the leg 20. As a result, in the erected position of FIGS. 4 and 5 the edge 34 of the block 22 abuts against the adjacent leaf (i.e., the one to which the board 10 is secured) of the hinge 16, and the edge of the shim l4 and board 10 lie in the inset 24 and abut against the back of the block 34; the board 10 is thereby prevented from pivoting from the folded position through an angle greater than about 270 with respect to the leg member 20. Similarly (and as is most clearly seen in FIG. 4), the edge 30 of the leg 20 abuts against the leaf of the hinge 26 to which the base member 28 is attached, and the edge 32 of the base member 28 abuts against the rear surface of the leg member 20. Consequently, the base member 28 is also prevented from pivoting through more than an angle of 270 with respect to the leg member2tl.

As seen in FIG. 3, the base member 28 extends at a slight angle to the leg member 20 so as to skew the board 10 slightly in the erected position, as may be desirable for increased convenience and comfort during use. It will be appreciated that the clipboard is intended for use in any conventional manner, such as to secure papers and the like for writing, drawing, etc.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 8 is structurally similar to that of the previous figures, with the principal difference being in the nature of the worksupporting portion provided. In the present embodiment, the supporting structure includes an L-shaped frame, generally designated by the numeral 36, consisting ofa side arm 38 and a larger cross arm 40 extending perpendicularly thereto. The side arm 38 has one leaf of a hinge 41 fastened along its outer edge, with one of The leg member 52 is joined to the outer edge of the side arm 38 of the frame 36 by a hinge 41, and it is provided at its upper end with a shallow edge notch 54 for convenience in accommodating the adjacent clamp 42. A second hinge 56 joins the base member 58 to the opposite end of the leg member 52. As will readily be understood, the structure illustrated in FIGS. 6 8 is folded and unfolded in the same way as that of FIGS. 1 5, and the relationships of the parts in the erected position will be substantially as described previously. However, as can be seen in FIG. 6, in the folded or collapsed position the structure is somewhat more com-' pact, not only because of the absence of a board such as 10, but also because the base 58 is dimensioned and configured for nesting within the frame 36, which enables the three members to be disposed in two layers in the collapsed position. As suggested in FIGS. 7 and 8, the present embodiment is adapted for use with a separate member which might suitably be engaged under the clamps 42; such a member, generally designated by the numeral 60, is shown in phantom line and, for example, it may comprise a needlepoint frame or similar appliance for artwork or the like.

Many modifications to the illustrated embodiments of the lapboard structure may of course be made without departure from the novel concept of the invention. Thus, although only two types of support members have been illustrated, they will serve to demonstrate that numerous alternatives are possible. For example, a simple board may provide a writing table, a tilted frame with a ledge along the bottom edge may serve as a book rack, etc. The base member and spacer or leg member may also differ from the illustrated embodiments. Thus, the base member may be modified for added comfort or for conformity to various chair styles, and the leg member may be provided by two or more adjustable sections to permit the height and/or angular attitude of the support member to be altered as desired. Furthermore, while the illustrated structures are designed for use with the spacer members extending upwardly alongside the seated person, it will be appreciated that the spacers may be situated in front of the person with the support-members extending inwardly therefrom. Although the arrangement of hinges and cooperating edges of the members is very effective from the standpoint of affording rigidity and stability, in some instances it may be desirable to utilize hinges which'are themselves restricted to 270 movement. Moreover, further rigidity can be obtained by providing locks and catches of various types to secure the several members in their erected positions. Suitable materials of construction will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and need not be discussed in detail. However, it might be mentioned that, while wood and metal may be highly desirable for aesthetic and structural reasons, hinges can be integrally formed in a structure fabricated from certain synthetic resinous materials, and production may in general be optimized by use of plastics.

Thus, it can be seen that the present invention provides a novel lapboard structure which is collapsible and which yet provides firm support for work of various types. The work is held in a convenient and comfortable position, and the structure is collapsible to a highly compact configuration. It is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and at the same time provides a high level of convenience and stability in use.

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

1. A collapsible lapboard structure comprising a base member adapted to rest upon a seat and extend beneath a person seated thereon; a generally elongated spacer member; a first hinge joining said spacer member adjacent one end thereof to an edge portion of said base member; a support member; and a second hinge joining said support member to said spacer member adjacent the other end thereof, said first and second hinges permitting pivotal movement of said base member and said support member, respectively, in opposite directions from a collapsed position of said lapboard structure in which they lie adjacent one face of said spacer member through about 270 angles to a substantially rigid, erected position of said lapboard structure wherein said base member and said support member extend generally parallel to each other and perpendicularly to said spacer member from the face thereof opposite that to which they are adjacent in said collapsed position, at least one of said hinges having a barrel and leaves which are pivotable with respect to each other to an angle greater than 270 and both said spacer member and the cooperating one of said support and base members affixed to said one hinge being positioned on the same side of said leaves of said one hinge to provide two leaf subassemblies, one of said leaf sub assemblies abutting against a surface on the other of said leaf subassemblies spaced inwardly from the adjacent side surface of the member affixed to the leaf of said other leaf subassembly and the other of said leaf subassemblies having an edge surface thereon spaced from the barrel of said one hinge and abutting against a side surface on said one leaf subassembly in the erected position to locate said spacer and cooperating members in a substantially 90 position relative to each other, said hinges and members thereby cooperating to prevent pivoting of said base member and support member beyond said 270 angles and further toward one another so that, with said base member extending beneath a seated person and said spacer member extending upwardly therefrom, said support member extends toward the person from said spacer member and over his lap to afford firm support against downward force thereon.

2. The structure of claim 1 wherein said support member includes a board with a substantially planar upper surface and extending generally perpendicularly to said spacer member with said lapboard structure in said erected position.

3. The structure of claim 2 wherein said base member and said spacer member are substantially planar and form, with said support member, three layers in said collapsed position of said structure.

4. The structure of claim 2 wherein said support member additionally includes a spring clip mechanism mounted upon said board and acting against said planar upper surface to provide means for disengageably securing an element thereunder for support thereby.

5. The structure of claim 1 wherein said support member comprises at least a partial frame and means thereon for disengageably clamping an element thereto for support thereby. I

6. e structure of claim 5 wherein said support member is of generally L-shaped configuration.

7. The structure of claim 5 wherein said base member and support member are dimensioned and configured for nesting in said collapsed position of said structure to lie in substantially the same plane, and wherein each of said members is substantially planar so as to form two layers therefrom in said collapsed position.

8. The structure of claim 1 wherein the one of said members joined to one leaf of said one hinge providing said one leaf assembly has a rectilinear edge aligned substantially with the barrel thereof, and wherein the other of said members joined to the other leaf of said one hinge providing said other leaf subassembly has a rectilinear edge which is parallel to said edge of said one member and is spaced from said barrel a distance substantially equal to the thickness thereof, said rectilinear edge of said one member abutting against said other leaf of said one hinge in said erected position of said structure, and said rectilinear edge of said other member abutting against said one member therein. 

1. A collapsible lapboard structure comprising a base member adapted to rest upon a seat and extend beneath a person seated thereon; a generally elongated spacer member; a first hinge joining said spacer member adjacent one end thereof to an edge portion of said base member; a support member; and a second hinge joining said support member to said spacer member adjacent the other end thereof, said first and second hinges permitting pivotal movement of said base member and said support member, respectively, in opposite directions from a collapsed position of said lapboard structure in which they lie adjacent one face of said spacer member through about 270* angles to a substantially rigid, erected position of said lapboard structure wherein said base member and said support member extend generally parallel to each other and perpendicularly to said spacer member from the face thereof opposite that to which they are adjacent in said collapsed position, at least one of said hinges having a barrel and leaves which are pivotable with respect to each other to an angle greater than 270* and both said spacer member and the cooperating one of said support and base members affixed to said one hinge being positioned on the same side of said leaves of said one hinge to provide two leaf subassemblies, one of said leaf subassemblies abutting against a surface on the other of said leaf subassemblies spaced inwardly from the adjacent side surface of the member affIxed to the leaf of said other leaf subassembly and the other of said leaf subassemblies having an edge surface thereon spaced from the barrel of said one hinge and abutting against a side surface on said one leaf subassembly in the erected position to locate said spacer and cooperating members in a substantially 90* position relative to each other, said hinges and members thereby cooperating to prevent pivoting of said base member and support member beyond said 270* angles and further toward one another so that, with said base member extending beneath a seated person and said spacer member extending upwardly therefrom, said support member extends toward the person from said spacer member and over his lap to afford firm support against downward force thereon.
 2. The structure of claim 1 wherein said support member includes a board with a substantially planar upper surface and extending generally perpendicularly to said spacer member with said lapboard structure in said erected position.
 3. The structure of claim 2 wherein said base member and said spacer member are substantially planar and form, with said support member, three layers in said collapsed position of said structure.
 4. The structure of claim 2 wherein said support member additionally includes a spring clip mechanism mounted upon said board and acting against said planar upper surface to provide means for disengageably securing an element thereunder for support thereby.
 5. The structure of claim 1 wherein said support member comprises at least a partial frame and means thereon for disengageably clamping an element thereto for support thereby.
 6. The structure of claim 5 wherein said support member is of generally L-shaped configuration.
 7. The structure of claim 5 wherein said base member and support member are dimensioned and configured for nesting in said collapsed position of said structure to lie in substantially the same plane, and wherein each of said members is substantially planar so as to form two layers therefrom in said collapsed position.
 8. The structure of claim 1 wherein the one of said members joined to one leaf of said one hinge providing said one leaf assembly has a rectilinear edge aligned substantially with the barrel thereof, and wherein the other of said members joined to the other leaf of said one hinge providing said other leaf subassembly has a rectilinear edge which is parallel to said edge of said one member and is spaced from said barrel a distance substantially equal to the thickness thereof, said rectilinear edge of said one member abutting against said other leaf of said one hinge in said erected position of said structure, and said rectilinear edge of said other member abutting against said one member therein. 